The best art supplies for students balance cost, washability, and versatility, and no single product wins all three. For most students, the Crayola Super Tips Marker Set (100ct) is the best overall pick because it covers a huge color range at a low per-marker price and works for everything from note-taking to poster projects. If you need a complete gift-ready kit, the Caliart 176PCS Sketching Kit bundles pencils, pastels, charcoal, and a sketchbook for less than buying items separately, while the TMOL 175-Pack Deluxe Art Set is the stronger choice for mixed-media classrooms. The main tradeoff in this category is between cheap bulk staples that get consumed quickly and mid-priced kits that last but limit you to dry media. Read on for the full breakdown of all 14 picks.
Key Takeaways
- Washable Crayola products dominated the top of the ranking because cleanup time is the hidden cost most buyers underestimate with younger students.
- Complete kits (Caliart 176PCS, TMOL 175-Pack, Prina 76 Pack) deliver the lowest cost per piece, but all three concentrate on dry media only — no paint or clay.
- The 100-count Super Tips set beat the 12-pack Broad Line markers on value despite a higher upfront price, at roughly half the cost per marker.
- Bulk purchases only made sense for classrooms or multiple kids; single students overpay for bulk packs like the 24-crayon multipack and 480-sheet construction paper.
- Mr. Sketch scented markers and air dry clay ranked as fun extras rather than core supplies, since neither handles everyday assignment work as well as markers or pencils.
| Crayola Broad Line Markers (12-pack), Assorted Colors for Kids and Classroom Use |  | Best Bulk Marker Pick for Classrooms | Number of Packs: 12 | Markers per Pack: 10 | Total Markers: 120 | VIEW LATEST PRICE | See Our Full Breakdown |
| TMOL Art Supplies 175-Pack Deluxe Art Set with Wooden Case |  | Best All-in-One Kit | Number of Items: 175 | Includes: Crayons, acrylic paints, oil pastels, colored pencils, watercolor cakes, brushes, palettes, drawing pencils, sharpener, sandpaper block, eraser, drawing pads | Case Material: Wooden case | VIEW LATEST PRICE | See Our Full Breakdown |
| Crayola Construction Paper Bulk Pack (480 Sheets) – 10 Assorted Colors, 9×12 |  | Best Classroom Foundation Supply | Quantity: 480 sheets | Colors: 10 assorted colors | Sheet Size: 9 x 12 inches | VIEW LATEST PRICE | See Our Full Breakdown |
| Crayola Bulk Colored Pencils for Kids (24 Pack, 12 Colors) |  | Best Value for Group Distribution | Quantity: 24 packs | Colors per Pack: 12 | Total Pencils: 288 | VIEW LATEST PRICE | See Our Full Breakdown |
| Elmer’s Disappearing Purple School Glue Sticks, Washable, 6 Grams, 12 Count |  | Best Adhesive for Young Crafters | Quantity: 12 sticks | Weight per Stick: 6 grams | Application Color: Purple (goes on), Clear (dries) | VIEW LATEST PRICE | See Our Full Breakdown |
| Crayola Colored Pencils (36 count) |  | Best Classroom Colored Pencils | Quantity: 36 pencils | Color variety: 36 distinct colors | Preparedness: Presharpened | VIEW LATEST PRICE | See Our Full Breakdown |
| Prina 76 Pack Drawing Set Sketching Kit with Sketchbook and Tutorial |  | Best Kit for Aspiring Sketch Artists | Piece count: 76 pieces | Includes: Graphite pencils, charcoal, erasers, blenders, brushes, accessories | Sketchbook size: 6 x 9 inches | VIEW LATEST PRICE | See Our Full Breakdown |
| Crayola Super Tips Marker Set (100ct) |  | Best Value in Color Volume | Quantity: 100 markers | Colors: Assorted | Tip type: Fine point, thick or thin lines | VIEW LATEST PRICE | See Our Full Breakdown |
| Artecho Oil Pastels Set of 48 Colors |  | Best for Blending and Texture Work | Number of colors: 48 | Medium: Oil pastel | Pastel size: 70 mm x 10 mm | VIEW LATEST PRICE | See Our Full Breakdown |
| Elmer’s All Purpose School Glue Sticks, 30 Count, 7g each |  | Best Bulk Craft Essential | Brand: Elmer’s | Type: All purpose school glue sticks | Quantity: 30 sticks | VIEW LATEST PRICE | See Our Full Breakdown |
| Crayola Crayons Bulk (24 Packs) |  | Best Classroom Bulk Buy | Number of Packs: 24 | Colors per Pack: 24 | Total Crayons: 576 | VIEW LATEST PRICE | See Our Full Breakdown |
| Crayola Air Dry Clay (5 lbs), Natural White Modeling Clay |  | Best for 3D and Sculpture Projects | Weight: 5 lbs | Color: Natural White | Material: Air dry clay (natural) | VIEW LATEST PRICE | See Our Full Breakdown |
| Mr. Sketch Scented Markers, Chisel Tip, Assorted Colors, 22 Count |  | Best for Engaging Young Learners | Number of Colors: 22 | Tip Type: Chisel | Feature: Scented ink | VIEW LATEST PRICE | See Our Full Breakdown |
| Caliart 176PCS Art Supplies Sketching Kit with 100 Sheets 3-Color Sketch Book |  | Best Comprehensive Kit for Serious Students | Number of Pieces: 176 | Sketchbook Sheets: 100 | Sketchbook Colors: 3 (white, tan, black) | VIEW LATEST PRICE | See Our Full Breakdown |
More Details on Our Top Picks
Crayola Broad Line Markers (12-pack), Assorted Colors for Kids and Classroom Use
When a teacher needs markers that survive a full semester of classroom duty, this 12-box set makes more sense than a single 100-count like the Crayola Super Tips set, because each student or table group gets its own box. The broad line tips hold up to heavy-handed young artists better than fine points, and the non-toxic formula keeps things safe for ages 3 and up. The tradeoff is color range: ten basic shades per box cannot match the Super Tips’ variety, so anyone doing detailed illustration work will feel limited. For posters, coloring pages, and craft time, though, bold coverage beats subtlety. Compared with the Mr. Sketch Scented Markers, these lack the novelty factor but cost far less per box for bulk buyers.
Pros:- 12 separate boxes easy to distribute across students or table groups
- Durable broad tips resist fraying under heavy use
- Non-toxic and safe for children as young as 3
- Lower cost per box than premium marker sets
Cons:- Only 10 basic colors per box limits creative range
- Bulk packaging is overkill for a single child at home
Best for: Teachers and parents coordinating group art activities who need many separate marker boxes
Not ideal for: Individual students wanting a wide color palette for detailed artwork
- Number of Packs:12
- Markers per Pack:10
- Total Markers:120
- Colors Included:Orange, Yellow, Brown, Violet, Red, Blue, Black, Pink, Gray, Green
- Tip Type:Broad line
- Ages:3+
- Non-Toxic:Yes
Our verdict“Buy this if you’re supplying a classroom or camp; skip it if one student needs a rich personal palette.”
TMOL Art Supplies 175-Pack Deluxe Art Set with Wooden Case
This set earns its spot as the most complete single-purchase option in the roundup, covering acrylics, watercolors, oil pastels, colored pencils, and drawing tools in one wooden case. Compared with the Prina 76 Pack Drawing Set, it trades the Prina’s focused sketching depth for breadth across media, which suits a student still figuring out what they enjoy. The wooden case keeps everything organized in a backpack or on a desk, a real advantage over loose supplies. The tradeoffs are real: quality per tool is beginner-grade rather than professional, and an experienced artist will find much of the 175 pieces redundant. For a middle-schooler exploring different techniques without buying separate kits, though, that breadth is exactly the point. It also outpaces the Caliart 176PCS kit on presentation, making it the stronger gift pick.
Pros:- Covers paints, pastels, pencils, and brushes across nearly every major medium
- Sturdy wooden case keeps 175 pieces organized and portable
- Strong gift presentation for birthdays and holidays
- Non-toxic components safe for younger students
Cons:- Beginner-grade quality throughout rather than excellence in any one medium
- Overwhelming volume of tools for a young or first-time artist
Best for: Students and hobbyists who want to experiment across many media without buying supplies separately
Not ideal for: Advanced artists who already work in one medium and need higher-grade tools
- Number of Items:175
- Includes:Crayons, acrylic paints, oil pastels, colored pencils, watercolor cakes, brushes, palettes, drawing pencils, sharpener, sandpaper block, eraser, drawing pads
- Case Material:Wooden case
- Media Types:Acrylic, watercolor, oil pastel, colored pencil, graphite
- Safety:Non-toxic
- Skill Level:Beginner to intermediate
Our verdict“The right choice for a student exploring multiple media at once; the wrong one for a specialist.”
Crayola Construction Paper Bulk Pack (480 Sheets) – 10 Assorted Colors, 9×12
Construction paper is the backbone of student art, and this 480-sheet pack is the best cost-per-sheet value for anyone running regular craft sessions. The heavy-duty weight means it survives cutting, folding, and glue — including the Elmer’s Disappearing Purple glue sticks elsewhere in this roundup — without warping as thinner paper does. Compared with the sketchbook included in the Caliart 176PCS kit, this paper serves a different purpose: collage, cutouts, and classroom displays rather than drawing practice. Ten assorted colors give lesson-plan flexibility, though the 9×12 sheet size caps it at standard projects; anything poster-scale needs a bigger format. There’s no recycled-content claim, which matters to eco-conscious buyers. For teachers replenishing a supply closet mid-year, nothing here beats the sheer volume.
Pros:- 480 sheets at a strong per-sheet price for high-volume use
- Heavy-duty weight resists tearing and glue warp
- Ten colors support varied lesson plans and crafts
- Standard 9×12 size fits most school project requirements
Cons:- Limited to 9×12 sheets, too small for poster-scale work
- No recycled or eco-friendly material claims
Best for: Teachers, troop leaders, and parents running frequent craft projects who burn through paper quickly
Not ideal for: Students needing large-format paper for posters or eco-conscious buyers seeking recycled materials
- Quantity:480 sheets
- Colors:10 assorted colors
- Sheet Size:9 x 12 inches
- Material:Heavy-duty construction paper
- Use Case:Classroom crafts, school assignments, creative projects
Our verdict“The default buy for anyone buying paper in classroom quantities; look elsewhere for large-format or eco-friendly needs.”
Crayola Bulk Colored Pencils for Kids (24 Pack, 12 Colors)
This 24-pack multipack solves a problem the single Crayola Colored Pencils 36-count cannot: giving every student their own set. At twelve colors per pack, each box covers the standard school-project palette, and the pre-sharpened durable cores mean no first-day sharpening bottleneck in a classroom of thirty. Compared with the 36-count single set, the tradeoff is clear — breadth gives way to distribution. Twelve colors handle homework maps and basic coloring fine, but shading and blending work will hit a ceiling fast. The bulk format is also inefficient for one child, who would be better served by the 36-count. Where it shines is value per student: for teachers stocking up before the year starts, this is one of the most practical purchases in the roundup, pairing neatly with the construction paper pack for a complete project kit.
Pros:- 24 individual packs enable one set per student
- Pre-sharpened cores ready for immediate classroom use
- Durable cores resist breakage in backpacks and desks
- Excellent cost per pack for bulk buyers
Cons:- Only 12 basic colors limits shading and blending work
- Multipack format wastes money for a single-child household
Best for: Teachers buying classroom sets so every student has their own pencils
Not ideal for: A single student doing detailed or blended artwork who needs a wider color range
- Quantity:24 packs
- Colors per Pack:12
- Total Pencils:288
- Colors Included:Red, Red Orange, Orange, Yellow, Green, Yellow Green, Sky Blue, Blue, Purple, Black, Brown, White
- Sharpening:Pre-sharpened
- Use Case:Classrooms, group projects, home art
Our verdict“A classroom logistics dream; buy the 36-count single set instead if only one student needs pencils.”
Elmer’s Disappearing Purple School Glue Sticks, Washable, 6 Grams, 12 Count
The disappearing purple formula is the standout feature here: kids can see exactly where glue has been applied before it dries clear, which cuts down on the gloopy mess that plagues craft time. That feedback loop makes this a better fit for elementary students than the larger Elmer’s All Purpose 30-count sticks, which trade the purple indicator for more volume per stick. At 6 grams each, these run out faster during heavy collage sessions on the Crayola Construction Paper pack, so frequent crafters may burn through a dozen sticks in a semester. Washable, non-toxic, and acid-free means clothes and photos survive contact. What this is not is a structural adhesive — foam board joins and 3D projects will need liquid glue or tape. For paper-to-paper school work, it’s the most kid-friendly adhesive in the lineup.
Pros:- Purple color shows application coverage before drying clear
- Washable and non-toxic, safe for young children
- Acid-free and photo safe for scrapbooking and displays
- Bonds well to paper, cardboard, and display board
Cons:- 6-gram sticks deplete quickly during high-volume craft sessions
- Not strong enough for heavy or 3D project assembly
Best for: Elementary students and parents who want mess-free, visible-coverage gluing for paper crafts
Not ideal for: Heavy-duty projects like foam board builds that need stronger bonding
- Quantity:12 sticks
- Weight per Stick:6 grams
- Application Color:Purple (goes on), Clear (dries)
- Bonds To:Paper, cardboard, foam board, display board
- Safety:Washable, non-toxic, acid-free, photo safe
- Use Case:Arts and crafts, school projects, displays
Our verdict“The go-to glue stick for everyday paper crafts with young kids; step up to liquid glue for structural builds.”
Crayola Colored Pencils (36 count)
For straight-up schoolwork, 36 distinct presharpened colors hits a sweet spot that bulk classroom packs miss. Compared with the Crayola Bulk Colored Pencils (24 Pack, 12 Colors), which duplicates every color for sharing, this set gives a single student a much wider palette — helpful for maps, science diagrams, and detailed coloring pages where twelve colors feels limiting. The pencils arrive ready to use, which matters when a homework assignment is due tomorrow and nobody can find the sharpener.
The tradeoff is simplicity. This is a bare box with no case, no accessories, and no tutorial — students who want to learn shading and layering techniques will get more from the Prina 76 Pack Drawing Set. But for everyday assignments, that focused simplicity is the point.
Pros:- 36 true colors instead of duplicated basics
- Presharpened so they’re usable straight from the box
- Durable leads that resist breaking under kid-level pressure
- Safe and accessible for ages 3 and up
Cons:- No storage case, so loose pencils get lost in backpacks
- No blending or shading versatility beyond standard colored cores
Best for: Elementary through high school students who need a dependable colored pencil set for homework, note-taking, and coloring projects
Not ideal for: Students exploring graphite sketching or blending techniques — this set has no instruction or range of pencil grades
- Quantity:36 pencils
- Color variety:36 distinct colors
- Preparedness:Presharpened
- Age range:3+
- Suitable for:Kids & adults
- Storage:Box only, no case
Our verdict“The most practical colored pencil pick for students whose assignments demand more than a dozen colors.”
Prina 76 Pack Drawing Set Sketching Kit with Sketchbook and Tutorial
This is the roundup’s only option built for learning to draw, not just coloring. With a full range of graphite grades, charcoal, blenders, and a 7-step tutorial, it functions as a mini curriculum — something the Crayola Colored Pencils and Super Tips sets deliberately avoid. The included 6×9 sketchbook with white, toned tan, and black pages pushes students to experiment with value and contrast in ways plain white paper never does.
The tradeoff is overwhelm. Compared with the Caliart 176PCS Art Supplies Sketching Kit, this set is smaller and more focused, but a total beginner may still stare at twenty pencil types wondering which to grab. It also covers drawing only — students wanting color media should pair it with markers or pastels rather than expect it here.
Pros:- Complete graphite and charcoal range for real technique practice
- Tutorial guide gives structure to self-taught beginners
- Toned and black sketchbook pages encourage value studies
- Portable zippered case keeps everything organized between classes
Cons:- Variety can overwhelm absolute beginners who don’t know what each pencil does
- Small 6×9 sketchbook limits larger compositions
- No color media included despite the large piece count
Best for: Teens and motivated beginners who want to seriously learn sketching, shading, and layering rather than just doodle
Not ideal for: Young elementary students or casual colorers — the graphite variety will go unused and the tutorial will be skipped
- Piece count:76 pieces
- Includes:Graphite pencils, charcoal, erasers, blenders, brushes, accessories
- Sketchbook size:6 x 9 inches
- Sketchbook pages:50 (30 white, 10 toned tan, 10 black)
- Tutorial:7-step drawing guide
- Material safety:Non-toxic, eco-friendly
- Storage:Portable zippered case
Our verdict“The right buy for a student ready to move from coloring inside the lines to actually learning to draw.”
Crayola Super Tips Marker Set (100ct)
No other option in this roundup delivers color per dollar like 100 washable markers. Where the Crayola Broad Line Markers (12-pack) covers basic school tasks, Super Tips opens up hand lettering, detailed adult coloring, and nuanced illustration with a fine tip that flexes to thick or thin lines depending on pressure. That single feature makes it far more versatile than a standard marker pack of any size.
The washable, non-toxic formula is the quiet hero here — ink on a school desk or shirt wipes away, which matters for classroom and home use alike. The drawbacks are real though: 100 loose markers with no storage case quickly becomes a chaotic drawer, and casual users will find two-thirds of the colors untouched. Serious art students should also note these are water-based, not alcohol-based, so blending behaves differently than professional markers.
Pros:- 100 colors cover virtually any project or assignment
- Fine tips produce both bold strokes and precise detail lines
- Washable ink removes from skin and most fabrics
- Non-toxic and safe for children ages 3 and up
Cons:- No included case, so organizing 100 markers falls on the buyer
- Overkill for casual users who need a dozen basic colors
Best for: Students, teachers, and lettering hobbyists who want maximum color range for classrooms, bullet journals, and detailed coloring
Not ideal for: Students needing professional-grade markers — water-based ink limits blending and permanence for advanced work
- Quantity:100 markers
- Colors:Assorted
- Tip type:Fine point, thick or thin lines
- Washable:Yes
- Non-toxic:Yes
- Age range:3+
- Storage case:Not included
Our verdict“The best value for color variety, as long as you supply your own storage and don’t expect professional ink behavior.”
Artecho Oil Pastels Set of 48 Colors
Oil pastels occupy a niche nothing else in this roundup touches: physical, smudgeable color. Unlike the Crayola Super Tips markers, which lay down fixed ink, these pastels can be blended with fingers, layered, and scraped — teaching students how color actually mixes. The rich pigmentation means dark paper and mixed-media projects pop in a way pencils and markers can’t match.
Compared with the Crayola Crayons Bulk, pastels offer far smoother application and adult-grade color, though they share the same mess profile and then some — oily residue on hands and desks is the price of admission. The 48-color count sits comfortably between starter sets and professional 96-plus ranges, and the non-toxic formula plus protective sleeves make them classroom-viable. Just expect broken sticks from heavy-handed younger artists.
Pros:- Richly pigmented color that reads vividly even on toned paper
- Smooth texture supports blending, shading, and scraffito techniques
- Protective sleeves reduce mess and breakage during transport
- Non-toxic and safe across age groups
Cons:- Messy medium — oil residue transfers to hands and surfaces
- Sticks break under pressure, frustrating rough handlers
- Requires fixative or care if artwork needs to last without smearing
Best for: Middle school and older art students exploring blending, layering, and mixed-media techniques beyond dry media
Not ideal for: Tidy households and young kids — pastel smudges spread to hands, tables, and sleeves faster than any other medium here
- Number of colors:48
- Medium:Oil pastel
- Pastel size:70 mm x 10 mm
- Pigmentation:High, richly pigmented
- Non-toxic:Yes
- Sleeves:Protective paper sleeves
- Skill level:All levels
Our verdict“The pick for students ready to trade the cleanliness of markers for the tactile blending only pastels provide.”
Elmer’s All Purpose School Glue Sticks, 30 Count, 7g each
Glue sticks are the unglamorous backbone of school art, and this 30-count bulk box is the smart way to buy them. Each 7-gram stick is larger than the Elmer’s Disappearing Purple 6-gram version, and the size difference adds up across a semester of posters and collages. The acid-free, photo-safe formula also means class projects and scrapbook-style assignments won’t yellow or damage photos over time.
The tradeoff: these go on clear rather than purple, so younger children can’t see where they’ve already glued — the Disappearing Purple option handles that age group better. Drying is quick and clump-free on paper and cardboard, but very smooth or non-porous surfaces like plastic will test the bond. Still, for volume, price per stick, and reliability on standard school materials, this is the practical classroom choice.
Pros:- Bulk pricing dramatically beats buying glue sticks individually
- 7g sticks offer more adhesive per unit than standard 6g versions
- Acid-free and photo-safe for lasting projects
- Washes out of clothes and off hands easily
Cons:- Clear application gives no visual feedback for young users
- Weak bond on plastic, metal, and other non-porous surfaces
- Small stick size makes big projects tedious compared to liquid glue
Best for: Teachers, parents, and students stocking a classroom or home craft drawer for a full year of paper projects
Not ideal for: Preschool teachers who need visible glue placement — the clear formula makes it hard for young kids to see coverage
- Brand:Elmer’s
- Type:All purpose school glue sticks
- Quantity:30 sticks
- Weight per stick:7 grams
- Drying:Quick-drying, clear finish
- Features:Washable, acid-free, photo safe
- Best surfaces:Paper, cardboard, foam board
Our verdict“The sensible bulk buy for anyone running through paper crafts faster than a single glue stick can survive.”
Crayola Crayons Bulk (24 Packs)
Twenty-four boxes of 24 crayons is a quantity decision before it’s a quality decision, and that’s exactly the point. This option makes the most sense for teachers restocking a classroom, homeschool co-ops, or party planners who need every child to have an identical set. Compared with the Crayola Bulk Colored Pencils (24 Pack), crayons win for younger students because they require no sharpening and glide with almost no pressure. The tradeoff is real, though: a single household will be storing excess boxes for years, and the color selection inside each box is basic — students wanting richer blending should step up to the Crayola Colored Pencils (36 count) instead. Value per box is the strongest argument here, not artistic range.
Pros:- Lowest cost per box in the roundup for group distribution
- Crayola’s trusted wax formula with smooth, consistent color laydown
- 24 colors per box covers standard school projects and coloring pages
- Individual boxes prevent sharing disputes and germs in classrooms
Cons:- Massive overbuy for single-family use
- Crayon colors can’t match the blendability of colored pencils or pastels
Best for: Teachers, homeschool groups, and camp leaders who need identical individual sets for 20+ kids
Not ideal for: Families with one or two children — most boxes will sit unused, and a single box costs far less elsewhere
- Number of Packs:24
- Colors per Pack:24
- Total Crayons:576
- Color Range:Apricot through Yellow Orange, including Bluetiful and Cerulean
- Use Case:Classroom distribution, group crafts, party favors
- Brand:Crayola
Our verdict“Buy this only if you’re supplying a whole classroom; otherwise a single box serves one child better for a fraction of the price.”
Crayola Air Dry Clay (5 lbs), Natural White Modeling Clay
Every other entry in this roundup is flat-media — this is the only option that lets students build three-dimensional work, which is why it earns its slot despite being a single-material product. The 5-pound bucket supports roughly a full class section of small sculptures, and because it air-dries, there’s no kiln or oven required, which matters for schools without art-room equipment. Compared with paper-based options like the Crayola Construction Paper Bulk Pack, clay shifts the lesson from drawing to form and structure — a different skill entirely. The tradeoffs: drying takes overnight or longer, pieces left uncovered crack easily, and unlike the all-in-one Caliart 176PCS kit, this is clay only, so budget for paints if students want colored finishes.
Pros:- Only 3D medium in the roundup, teaching form and structure
- Softens with water for easy shaping by small hands
- Takes acrylic and tempera paint well once dry
- Resealable bucket keeps unused clay workable between lessons
Cons:- Requires overnight (or longer) drying before painting or handling
- Cracks if stored improperly or dried too fast
- Cannot be kiln-fired for permanent ceramic results
Best for: Art teachers and parents running sculpture lessons who want kiln-free 3D projects
Not ideal for: Impatient young kids or anyone wanting same-day finished, colored pieces — drying and painting add days to the workflow
- Weight:5 lbs
- Color:Natural White
- Material:Air dry clay (natural)
- Drying Method:Air dry, no kiln required
- Finish Compatibility:Paintable after drying
- Storage:Resealable bucket
Our verdict“This pick makes the most sense for educators adding sculpture to a flat-media curriculum, as long as the drying schedule fits the lesson plan.”
Mr. Sketch Scented Markers, Chisel Tip, Assorted Colors, 22 Count
Scent is a gimmick until you watch a reluctant six-year-old suddenly want to color — and that engagement factor is this product’s entire justification. The chisel tip handles both broad fills and thinner lines, giving it more line versatility than the standard Crayola Broad Line Markers (12-pack), though far fewer colors than the Crayola Super Tips 100-count set. Where Super Tips win on range and washability, Mr. Sketch wins on motivation: teachers use them for anchor charts, reward work, and sensory-friendly lessons. The cylinder barrels are chunky and easy to grip for small hands. Tradeoffs are real — at 22 colors the palette is limited for detailed work, and scent-sensitive students or classrooms with fragrance policies may need to skip these entirely.
Pros:- Scented ink makes coloring sessions genuinely exciting for young kids
- Chisel tip offers both broad and fine line options in one marker
- AP certified non-toxic and safe for ages 3+
- Large cylinder barrels are easy for small hands to control
Cons:- Only 22 colors versus 100 in the Crayola Super Tips set
- Scents may conflict with fragrance-sensitive students or school policies
Best for: Elementary teachers and parents who need a motivational hook for reluctant or sensory-seeking young artists
Not ideal for: Fragrance-sensitive kids or scent-free classrooms; also a poor fit for detailed coloring given the chisel tip
- Number of Colors:22
- Tip Type:Chisel
- Feature:Scented ink
- Safety Certification:AP certified non-toxic
- Age Range:Over 3 years
- Barrel Design:Large easy-hold cylinder
Our verdict“Pick these when engagement matters more than color range; pick Super Tips when the opposite is true.”
Caliart 176PCS Art Supplies Sketching Kit with 100 Sheets 3-Color Sketch Book
This is the most complete drawing education in a box within this roundup — 176 pieces spanning graphite, charcoal, colored, watercolor, and metallic pencils, plus blending stumps, a sandpaper block, and a 100-sheet sketchbook in white, tan, and black. Compared with the Prina 76 Pack Drawing Set, Caliart more than doubles the tool count and adds the multi-tone paper, which opens up white-charcoal and metallic techniques that plain white paper can’t show off. Against the TMOL 175-Pack Deluxe Art Set, the difference is focus: Caliart leans drawing-first with a real sketchbook, while TMOL’s wooden case spreads across paint and media. The honest tradeoff — beginners may feel overwhelmed by six pencil categories, and per-pencil quality is student-grade, not professional. It rewards students ready to explore; it buries those who just want to sketch.
Pros:- Widest medium variety in the roundup — six pencil types plus blending accessories
- 3-color sketchbook enables white charcoal and metallic techniques on dark paper
- Zippered travel case keeps everything organized for art class or trips
- 100 sheets of paper means months of practice without extra purchases
Cons:- Beginners can find the sheer variety confusing rather than helpful
- Student-grade pencil quality won’t satisfy advanced or pre-college artists
- No paints in liquid form — watercolor pencils are the only wet medium
Best for: Middle and high school students, or hobbyists, who want to experiment across graphite, charcoal, and watercolor techniques in one portable kit
Not ideal for: Young elementary kids or true beginners who need a simple graphite set, not 176 pieces to sort through
- Number of Pieces:176
- Sketchbook Sheets:100
- Sketchbook Colors:3 (white, tan, black)
- Sketchbook Size:6″ x 9″
- Pencil Types:Graphite, Colored, Watercolor, Charcoal, White Charcoal, Metallic
- Pencil Quantities:12 each (graphite, colored, watercolor, charcoal, metallic), 3 white charcoal
- Additional Tools:Blending stumps, water brush pen, eraser, sharpener, pencil extender, sandpaper block, paint brush
- Portability:Lightweight zippered travel case
Our verdict“The strongest choice for a motivated student building real drawing skills across multiple media — overkill for a casual colorer.”
How We Picked
I ranked these supplies on four student-specific criteria: cost per use, age suitability, mess factor, and versatility across assignments. Classroom staples scored well when they were washable, durable, and cheap enough to replace, while kits earned higher marks for breadth of media and whether the included accessories (sharpeners, erasers, sketchbooks) were actually usable rather than filler. I also weighed how each product fits real school demands — posters, sketching homework, crafts, and free-time drawing — rather than just raw piece counts, which is why some large sets ranked below smaller ones.
The ordering reflects a simple logic: everyday workhorses first, complete kits second, specialty and fun items last. Products that punish parents with difficult cleanup or that only suit one narrow project type were pushed down the list regardless of quality. Where two products overlapped directly, like the two Elmer’s glue stick packs, the winner came down to price per gram and count flexibility.
Factors to Consider When Choosing Art Supplies For Students
Choosing art supplies for a student is less about finding the highest-quality materials and more about matching supplies to age, storage space, and how fast they get used up. These are the factors that actually change what you should buy.Age and Grade Level Change Everything
The same product can be perfect for a second-grader and useless for a high schooler. Younger students need washable, chunky, low-frustration tools — broad markers, crayons, glue sticks — because fine motor control limits what they can do with 48-color pastel sets. Middle and high school students move toward colored pencils, sketching graphite, and oil pastels, where blendability matters more than washability. A common mistake is buying an advanced 175-piece kit for an elementary student; half the contents go untouched while the markers they actually use run dry. Match the tool to the hands using it, not to the impressive piece count on the box.
Cost Per Use Beats Upfront Price
Art supplies are consumables, and the sticker price hides the real math. A 100-count marker set at a mid-range price often costs half as much per marker as a small 12-pack, and bulk glue stick boxes drop the per-stick cost dramatically for families with multiple kids. The trap runs the other way too: bulk classroom packs of construction paper or 24 crayon boxes are wasteful for a single student who will never use 480 sheets. Before buying, divide price by the number of usable pieces and ask how many will realistically get consumed in a school year. That single calculation reshuffles most ‘deals’ in this category.
Washability and Mess Management
Cleanup is the hidden cost of art supplies, and it falls almost entirely on parents and teachers. Washable markers and school-grade glue sticks exist precisely because permanent ink and liquid glue create laundry disasters and ruined desks. Oil pastels, charcoal, and clay are the messiest categories and are better suited to older students or supervised sessions. If a supply will live in a backpack and travel between home and school, prioritize washable formulas even at a slight quality tradeoff — the pigment difference rarely matters for schoolwork, but a ruined uniform definitely does.
Complete Kits Versus Buying Pieces Separately
All-in-one art sets look like bargains, and often are, but they carry a real limitation: nearly every kit in this price range is dry media only — pencils, pastels, charcoal, and blenders. If a student wants to paint or sculpt, no kit on this list covers that, and you’ll buy those pieces separately anyway. Kits also vary widely in accessory quality; some include sketchbooks worth using, while others pad the count with flimsy sharpeners and sandpaper blocks. Kits make the most sense as gifts or as a starting point for a beginner who doesn’t yet know what media they prefer. Once a student shows a preference, targeted individual purchases deliver better quality for the money.
Storage, Portability, and Classroom Rules
Check what the school actually allows before stocking up. Many classrooms request specific items, limit scented products, or ban supplies that smudge easily. Wooden-case kits look great but don’t fit in most desks or backpacks, while zippered or tinned sets travel far better. For home use, a dedicated art box matters more than the packaging the supplies arrive in — loose markers without a case get lost within weeks. Consider where the supplies will live before choosing formats, because a beautiful case that never leaves the shelf helps nobody.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it better to buy a big art kit or individual supplies for a student?
It depends on how far along the student is. Big kits like the Caliart 176PCS or TMOL 175-Pack are the smart move for beginners who haven’t settled on a preferred medium, because they sample pencils, charcoal, and pastels at a fraction of the cost of buying each separately. Once a student gravitates toward, say, colored pencil work, individual higher-quality purchases beat the kit’s entry-level versions. Also note that nearly every kit in this price range is dry media only, so if painting or clay is on the agenda, those need separate buys regardless. A reasonable strategy is one kit to start, then replace favorites individually as they run out.
Are 100 markers really better than a basic 12-pack for school?
For most students, yes, purely on economics. The 100-count Super Tips set works out to roughly half the cost per marker compared with a 12-pack of broad line markers, and the fine tips handle both coloring and writing tasks. The 12-pack still makes sense for very young children who lose caps and only need primary coverage, or when a teacher requests exactly that item. One caveat: a 100-count set needs a storage strategy, because loose markers without a case get scattered fast. If desk or backpack space is tight, the smaller pack’s simplicity wins despite the worse value.
What art supplies does an elementary student actually need versus what’s marketing?
Elementary students realistically need five things: crayons or colored pencils, washable markers, glue sticks, scissors, and construction paper. Everything beyond that — scented markers, 48-color pastel sets, charcoal kits — is a nice-to-have that may or may not get used. The common overspend is on large themed kits that look exciting but contain dozens of pieces a young child can’t yet manipulate. Scented markers like Mr. Sketch are genuinely motivating for reluctant artists, so they have a place, but as a supplement rather than a foundation. Build the basics first, then add fun items based on demonstrated interest.
Do oil pastels and air dry clay work for school projects?
Both can, but with different levels of supervision. Oil pastels like the Artecho 48-color set blend beautifully and suit older students doing art class assignments, but they smudge permanently on clothing and are a poor fit for young kids or work transported in backpacks without fixative. Air dry clay is excellent for dioramas, science models, and free-form projects, and it needs no oven, but it dries out fast once opened, so it should be portioned and sealed between sessions. Neither is an everyday supply — treat them as project-specific purchases triggered by an actual assignment, not staples to keep stocked.
How do I keep art supplies from getting lost or drying out?
Two habits solve most of the problem. First, move supplies into a single lidded container or zippered pouch immediately, because original cardboard boxes fall apart within weeks and loose pieces disappear. Second, establish a rule that markers and glue sticks get capped the moment they’re set down — caps left off overnight kill a marker faster than heavy use ever will. For clay, divide it into palm-sized portions and store each in plastic wrap inside a sealed bag so one session doesn’t expose the whole block. Buying slightly fewer supplies and maintaining them well costs less over a school year than restocking neglected bulk packs.
Conclusion
For most students, the Crayola Super Tips 100-count set is the best overall choice — unmatched versatility for note-taking, coloring, and projects at a strong per-marker price. The best value pick is the Elmer’s 30-count glue stick box or the Crayola Bulk Colored Pencils 24-pack, depending on what your student burns through fastest. For a premium gift or a serious beginner, the Caliart 176PCS kit offers the best breadth-to-price ratio, with the Prina 76-pack as a tutorial-driven alternative for teens learning to sketch. Younger kids are best served by washable basics — the Crayola broad line markers, crayons bulk pack, and construction paper — while specialty needs point to the Artecho oil pastels for art-class blending work, air dry clay for 3D projects, and Mr. Sketch scented markers as a motivational extra. Match the supply to the student, buy consumables by cost per use, and skip bulk sizes nobody will finish.
